Meet Paralympian Scott Winkler

US PARALYMPIAN SCOTT WINKLER WITH GEORGE BUSH

The president honored a few of America’s athletes heading to Beijing at the White House this past Monday. Paralympian, and American and World Shot Put Records holder, Scott Winkler was among them.

Bush greeted attendees in the Rose Garden. He said of the gathered athletes, “In the coming days, around 600 American athletes will arrive in China for the 29th Olympic Games. Together, the talented men and women of Team USA will represent the great diversity of our country.”
The president then directed his attentions to the Winkler. “Scott [Winkler] didn't spend his whole life training to become an elite athlete -- but athletic competition helped give Scott his life back.”

“Line One Mr. Winkler. It’s the President of the United States.” Paralympian Scott Winkler Gets a White House Dinner Invite

Paralympian, and the World and Americas Adaptive Shot Put Record Holder, Scott Winkler has been invited to the White House for a gala dinner July 21, 2008.

President George W. Bush has invited a few select men and women scheduled to compete in the Paralympic and Olympic Games. There will be fanfare and fine cuisine as the small group is honored by the President.

Winkler said of the soiree, “It was real casual. I answered the phone and it was someone asking me if I was able to attend. I said sure!”

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Scott Winkler is Given Official Sponsorship From Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are supporting Paralypian hopefuls Scott Winkler and two others on their road to the Games in Beijing. IAVA will financially assist Winkler in his training and field supplies. They have posted a video on Scott Winkler, Melissa Stockwell, and Carlos Leon who all served in Iraq and suffered serious injuries.

There is an opportunity for all to donate and help the IAVA raise $20,000 to help Melissa, Scott and Carlos pursue their dreams of gold. Please go to www.iava.org where you can watch a video on these inspirational heroes and make a donation to support their efforts to represent America again.

Winkler Breaks the Americas Zone Adaptive Shot Put Record at the Arizona National Team Trials

"United States National Team Trials this past weekend proved to be another victory for Paralympic hopeful Scott Winkler.

Having recently been reclassified in Field Sports from a F54 to a F55, Winkler would have to be even better than before to achieve his dream of officially being a part of the Team heading to Beijing.

The athlete not only qualified, but broke the American Adaptive Shot Put Record by making a 10.97 meter shot put throw. The previous record was 8.99 meters.

Winkler said on the phone from Arizona, “I am ecstatic!"J

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U.S. Paralympic's Choose Scott Winkler as a National Ambassador

United States Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer, Charles Huebner, has appointed Scott Winkler as one of the US Paralympic official ambassadors and mentors for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Scott Winkler has been chosen, along with 29 other Paralympians, for a mentor and awareness program Huebner has selected to help spread the word about the Paralympic Games and goals across the nation. Winkler will speak and make appearances on behalf of the US Paralympics.

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Scott Winkler's Road to The Paralympic Games 2008

US Paralympic Ambassador Scott Winkler has a whole documentary team following him around these days. And NBC has just completed their own feature on Winkler, "Determination," now playing on NBCOlympics.com. (Click here)to see for yourself why the sports community is watching Scott Winkler.

He has the stats: he holds the world record in adaptive shot put (10.23 meters), and he also earned both the gold medal for shot put and the bronze medal for discus from the 2007 Rio Parapan Games. This lead to Winkler becoming the first Iraq veteran to make the Paralympic Team.

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Scott Winkler Sets World Record in Shot Put at 2007 U.S. Paralympics Track and Field National Championships

Paralympic hopeful Scott Winkler (Grovetown, Ga.) set a new world record in the men’s F54 shot put with a throw of 10.23m at the 2007 U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Championships. The distance automatically qualifies Winkler as a member of the U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Team, making him the first Iraq war veteran to make the team.

"I just want to do my best," said Winkler. "I believed and achieved my goals. If you believe, you can do anything you want, and my end goal is to get to Beijing next year and win a medal."

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